If you are a traveller who wishes to set foot on foreign land, you must necessarily obtain a visa to gain entry into the nation. The same holds good for those who wish to visit the United States of America (USA). There are in place different types of US visas. Depending on the nature and purpose of your visit, you can obtain a visa and visit the USA. Under the ambit of the Visa Waiver Program, a select section of travellers from qualified and listed countries are permitted to the visit USA sans a visa. This set of travellers must obtain the prescribed authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system ahead of their travel to the USA. Moreover, it must be noted that a visa to the USA does not confirm your entry into America. Check with an individual or company that offers visa services and you will learn that it simply is proof of the fact that the USA consular officer has formally acknowledged that you qualify to apply for the necessary permission to enter the USA for a determined purpose.

Here’s taking a look at the different types of visas in the USA 

Non-immigrant Visa

For those who wish to visit the USA for a particular period of time and for a particular purpose, the Non-immigrant Visa will offer respite. This visa is used by business travellers, those on a holiday, students and those under the category of speciality workers. The laws in the USA clearly states that those who apply for the Non-immigrant Visa must be in a position to demonstrate to the consular officer that they are loyal to the original country of their residence. Furthermore, the applicants must display that they will leave the USA post their temporary duration of stay. 

Here’s listing the Non-immigrant Visa categories:

Business or tourist visa

Also known as the B-1 or B-2 visa, the business or tourist visa is for those individuals who are travelling to the USA for business purposes or to undergo pleasure or medical treatment. While the business travellers are eligible for the B-1 visa, the next set of travellers will be considered for the B-2 visa. If you do your research about different types of US visas, you will learn that a majority of times, the two visas are issued as a combination as the B-1/B-2.

Work Visa

This visa is for those who wish to become a part of the workforce in the USA. As per American law, those non-immigrants, who wish to temporarily work in the USA will need a work visa depending on the nature of work they are taking up in America. For all individuals who will be in the USA for a temporary workers, it is necessary that their employer or agent files a petition, which must subsequently get the approval of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Post receiving the approval, the individual becomes eligible to apply for the work visa.

Student Visa

Once you do research into the different visa types in the US, you will learn that America, welcomes students with open arms. As its name suggests, a student visa is for those who wish to undertake an educational programme in America. Prior to applying for this visa, the student aspirant must necessarily obtain the required approval of the educational institution where the student intends to study the educational programme. 

Exchange Visitor Visa

Just like America greets students, the country welcomes individuals who wish to visit the USA to participate in exchange programmes. A word of caution for individuals who wish to apply for and obtain the Exchange Visitor Visa must make sure that they receive the approval and acceptance of the respected programme sponsor. 

Transit or Ship Crew Visas

While the Transit Visa is categorised as C Visa, the Ship Crew Visas are recognised as D Visa. Foreign nationals who are travelling to another destination en-route the USA, need a transit visa. When you read about different types of visas in the USA, you will understand that those travelling to America under the Visa Waiver Programme are automatically qualified to travel to America without this visa. A member of the crew on board a ship or a crew member servicing on an aircraft that is sailing or flying through the USA generally can apply for the combined C-1/D visa. 

Religious Worker Visa

Also known as the R visa type, the Religious Worker Visa is for individuals who wish to set foot in the USA for spiritual purposes. The Religious Worker Visa is a temporary visa. 

Domestic Employee Visa

As its name suggests, the Domestic Employee Visa is for all individuals who are in the domestic help category. If you discuss this category of visa with a visa services provider, you will understand that the Domestic Employee Visa is for domestic help who are accompanying their boss on work to America. Depending on the visa status of their fellow employer, individuals who are accompanying their employer to the United States are eligible for the A-3 or G-5 visa. 

Journalist and Media Visa

The non-immigrant visa is for those who are a part of the foreign media. Such individuals are permitted to visit the USA on a non-immigrant visa to perform their professional responsibilities. The home and office of the individual travelling to America on a Journalist and Media Visa will continue to remain in the foreign land. 

There are various categories of non-immigrant visas issued for travel to America. Depending on the purpose and need to travel to the US, the non-immigrant visa is issued. Do check with your trusted visa services provider on this.